August 15, 2014

My Nashville Diary | Lexus NX

This post is really really long! I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, sit back and get a glimpse of Nashiville + the all new 2015 Lexus NX through my eyes.

On the week of July 28th I traveled to Nashville, TN for the Lexus NX Press Preview. I stayed at the Union Station Hotel. To give you a little history about this hotel, It opened in1900, it's a restored railroad station that immediately became a high-energy scene with soaring Victorian architecture, ornate wood carvings and exquisite italian marble.

I arrived into the 'Welcome presentation' that was held at the Union Station hotel. They shared information about the NX and we had the chance of asking any questions we had regarding the vehicle/s. Afterwards we prepared to go on the first 'Ride & Drive' which allowed us to test drive the Lexus NX. We were able to choose from 3 routes the Lexus team had planned. One was short, one medium and one that was very long (1hour and a half long). Each route had a few stops along the way which included local clothing stores, coffee shops and historic landmarks.

After the 'Ride & Drive' we went up to our rooms to freshen up and get ready for an amazing dinner at 'The Farm House' located on 210 Almond st, Nashville, TN 37201. This restaurant specializes in bringing local farm grown ingredients, cooked simply right to your table.

We were picked up in a super-cool trolley. It was my first time in one so I was fascinated the entire way to the restaurant. Dinner was out-of-bounce! I mean, the atmosphere, the food and the people made the experience unforgettable. We were joined by two wonderful singer-songwriters (River Rutherford and Tim Nichols) who serenaded us with country music as well as great jokes throughout the night. River Rutherford who was the comedian of the night kept us laughing and truly enjoying dinner + this man has a surreal singing voice. We also had the privilege of listening to Grammy winner for best Country music, Tim Nichols who wrote 'Live like you were dying' by Tim McGraw. A song that brings me to tears every time I listen to it. If you haven't already heard it please do so here, it's life changing. We were constantly reminded of what a great city Nashville is. It was epic!

After dinner we had the option of going back to the hotel or for some Apéritifs/digestifs at Pinewood Social located at 33 Peabody st, Nashville, TN, 37210. This was a great time to chat and get to know other influencers in the car industry.

The next morning I woke up feeling brand new. I had an incredible sleep after sleeping on 4-5 clouds (pillows) and not being woken up in the middle of the night by my youngest daughter, Leanne, asking for rice (yes this happens every other night). I ate breakfast at the Major's Ballroom at the hotel then headed outside where we were all taken on a little 'Hatch Show Print Tour'. We were schooled on the history of press printing (which many people don't practice anymore). We then got to make our own souvenir to take home. It was a very unexpected, unique and lovely experience.

After the tour we were able to take one last drive before heading to lunch. This time my partner and I took a different route from the day before, route B. Our first stop was 'Imogene & Willie' located on 2601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204. This was a cool shop creating unique handmade pieces that you won't find anywhere else. We then slipped next door to Portland Brew for great refreshing iced coffee and a variety of teas. We then explored trendy neighborhoods, iconic landmarks and scenic vistas. This allowed me to become familiarized with the Music City. Funny enough, the American Idol auditions were taking place while I was there, and to think I tried out a few seasons ago (crazy, I know!). It was such a bad déjà vu and I totally felt the pain from everyone standing on that ridiculous long line.

Once the 'Ride & Drive' was over we were taken to lunch at Holland House Bar and Refuge located on 935 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206. This was the place where I had homemade cream soda! It was supreme!

Now let's get car-geeky and talk about the facts of the 2015 Lexus NX.

6. Wireless Charging Tray for compatible phones and devices, Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad and comprehensive Multi-information Display that features a G-Force meter and boost gauge.

The all-new NX also comes in a hybrid model, NX 300h. The crossover SUV's estimated fuel economy is great at 35 mpg, considering the size and performance of the vehicle. The huge spindle grille and led L shaped headlights signal on the NX identifies the luxurious Lexus brand. Lexus hasn't officially announced the price of the vehicle but they assured it will start in the low $40k range. You can expect to see the All-New Lexus NX at showrooms near you in late November 2014.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I wish you all a great weekend and as always, thank you for stopping by.